Kavach 5.0 Unveiled for Mumbai Suburban Rail Network

Why in the news

The Railway Minister introduced Kavach 5.0 to let more suburban trains run in Mumbai, cutting crowding.

Key facts

• Kavach 5.0 is an upgraded Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
• Goal: 30% more frequency by shortening the present 180-second gap between trains.
• Network users: nearly 80 lakh commuters daily.
• Safety role: applies brakes automatically if the loco pilot fails to; helps keep within speed limits, especially in bad weather.

Three-pronged plan

1. Infrastructure works worth ₹17,000 crore, already in progress.
2. Advanced technology through Kavach 5.0.
3. Better trains and services.

Exam angle

• Kavach is an ATP system; minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw.